Total fertility rate 2018

The total fertility rate measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, reflecting population growth and demographic trends. Understanding this statistic is crucial for analyzing economic development, healthcare needs, and societal changes across countries.

236 data points•Updated 11/4/2025•World•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Niger	6.706 per woman
2	Somalia	6.662 per woman
3	Chad	6.464 per woman
4	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	6.302 per woman
5	Mali	6.118 per woman
6	Central African Republic	6.108 per woman
7	Angola	5.519 per woman
8	Burundi	5.38 per woman
9	Afghanistan	5.327 per woman
10	Mozambique	5.07 per woman
11	Mauritania	5.044 per woman
12	Benin	5.031 per woman
13	Nigeria	5.021 per woman
14	Tanzania	4.932 per woman
15	Burkina Faso	4.921 per woman
16	Uganda	4.867 per woman
17	Cameroon	4.74 per woman
18	Sudan	4.681 per woman
19	Guinea	4.669 per woman
20	Mayotte	4.66 per woman
21	Yemen	4.607 per woman
22	Côte d'Ivoire	4.596 per woman
23	Togo	4.513 per woman
24	Equatorial Guinea	4.513 per woman
25	Zambia	4.492 per woman
26	Congo	4.442 per woman
27	Gambia	4.42 per woman
28	Ethiopia	4.371 per woman
29	South Sudan	4.37 per woman
30	Liberia	4.336 per woman
31	Senegal	4.294 per woman
32	Sierra Leone	4.294 per woman
33	Madagascar	4.246 per woman
34	Guinea-Bissau	4.241 per woman
35	Comoros	4.208 per woman
36	Samoa	4.136 per woman
37	Eritrea	4.056 per woman
38	Rwanda	4.047 per woman
39	Malawi	4.021 per woman
40	Sao Tome and Principe	3.977 per woman
41	Solomon Islands	3.93 per woman
42	Gabon	3.908 per woman
43	Pakistan	3.855 per woman
44	Vanuatu	3.834 per woman
45	French Guiana	3.785 per woman
46	Zimbabwe	3.744 per woman
47	Nauru	3.683 per woman
48	State of Palestine	3.674 per woman
49	Ghana	3.65 per woman
50	Iraq	3.547 per woman
51	Kenya	3.536 per woman
52	Namibia	3.462 per woman
53	Papua New Guinea	3.382 per woman
54	Tuvalu	3.328 per woman
55	Tonga	3.326 per woman
56	Kiribati	3.318 per woman
57	Tajikistan	3.294 per woman
58	Kyrgyzstan	3.28 per woman
59	Timor-Leste	3.244 per woman
60	Israel	3.103 per woman
61	Marshall Islands	3.038 per woman
62	Egypt	3.02 per woman
63	Algeria	3.019 per woman
64	Lesotho	3.016 per woman
65	Guam	2.995 per woman
66	Eswatini	2.971 per woman
67	Botswana	2.941 per woman
68	Syrian Arab Republic	2.932 per woman
69	Haiti	2.924 per woman
70	Mongolia	2.923 per woman
71	Jordan	2.923 per woman
72	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	2.922 per woman
73	Turkmenistan	2.875 per woman
74	Djibouti	2.858 per woman
75	Kazakhstan	2.845 per woman
76	Oman	2.81 per woman
77	Tokelau	2.777 per woman
78	Guatemala	2.743 per woman
79	Bolivia	2.73 per woman
80	Saint Martin (French part)	2.725 per woman
81	Cambodia	2.724 per woman
82	Uzbekistan	2.713 per woman
83	Niue	2.698 per woman
84	Saudi Arabia	2.67 per woman
85	Honduras	2.645 per woman
86	Northern Mariana Islands	2.643 per woman
87	Laos	2.633 per woman
88	Libya	2.581 per woman
89	Paraguay	2.561 per woman
90	Guyana	2.553 per woman
91	American Samoa	2.494 per woman
92	Monaco	2.485 per woman
93	Faroe Islands	2.434 per woman
94	Fiji	2.419 per woman
95	Panama	2.402 per woman
96	Dominican Republic	2.397 per woman
97	Suriname	2.381 per woman
98	Philippines	2.378 per woman
99	Morocco	2.354 per woman
100	Lebanon	2.347 per woman
101	Nicaragua	2.347 per woman
102	Belize	2.343 per woman
103	Western Sahara	2.316 per woman
104	Seychelles	2.291 per woman
105	South Africa	2.27 per woman
106	Myanmar	2.228 per woman
107	Indonesia	2.219 per woman
108	Bangladesh	2.193 per woman
109	India	2.184 per woman
110	United States Virgin Islands	2.182 per woman
111	Réunion	2.165 per woman
112	Cook Islands	2.156 per woman
113	Venezuela	2.151 per woman
114	Tunisia	2.133 per woman
115	Nepal	2.12 per woman
116	Peru	2.118 per woman
117	Kuwait	2.118 per woman
118	Ecuador	2.111 per woman
119	Guadeloupe	2.096 per woman
120	Georgia	2.093 per woman
121	Argentina	2.067 per woman
122	New Caledonia	2.041 per woman
123	Sri Lanka	2.033 per woman
124	Mexico	2.03 per woman
125	Greenland	2.02 per woman
126	Turkey	2.004 per woman
127	Martinique	1.993 per woman
128	Palau	1.97 per woman
129	Gibraltar	1.921 per woman
130	Iran	1.919 per woman
131	Bahrain	1.911 per woman
132	Azerbaijan	1.905 per woman
133	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	1.9 per woman
134	Vietnam	1.88 per woman
135	El Salvador	1.849 per woman
136	Brunei Darussalam	1.848 per woman
137	Malaysia	1.838 per woman
138	France	1.837 per woman
139	North Korea	1.834 per woman
140	Republic of Moldova	1.81 per woman
141	Cabo Verde	1.804 per woman
142	Montenegro	1.775 per woman
143	Ireland	1.761 per woman
144	Qatar	1.756 per woman
145	Sweden	1.754 per woman
146	Romania	1.753 per woman
147	Montserrat	1.748 per woman
148	Brazil	1.744 per woman
149	Czech Republic	1.744 per woman
150	Australia	1.743 per woman
151	Aruba	1.732 per woman
152	North Macedonia	1.731 per woman
153	Denmark	1.726 per woman
154	Barbados	1.72 per woman
155	New Zealand	1.719 per woman
156	Wallis and Futuna Islands	1.716 per woman
157	United States	1.715 per woman
158	Colombia	1.715 per woman
159	Maldives	1.71 per woman
160	Iceland	1.71 per woman
161	Costa Rica	1.706 per woman
162	Falkland Islands (Malvinas)	1.705 per woman
163	Uruguay	1.681 per woman
164	Saint Helena	1.681 per woman
165	Turks and Caicos Islands	1.677 per woman
166	United Kingdom	1.676 per woman
167	Estonia	1.67 per woman
168	French Polynesia	1.645 per woman
169	Isle of Man	1.636 per woman
170	Lithuania	1.635 per woman
171	Belgium	1.616 per woman
172	Latvia	1.612 per woman
173	Cuba	1.607 per woman
174	Slovenia	1.606 per woman
175	Trinidad and Tobago	1.588 per woman
176	Saint Kitts and Nevis	1.587 per woman
177	Netherlands	1.585 per woman
178	Russia	1.581 per woman
179	Kosovo	1.581 per woman
180	Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba	1.58 per woman
181	Armenia	1.567 per woman
182	Norway	1.566 per woman
183	Germany	1.566 per woman
184	Liechtenstein	1.564 per woman
185	Bulgaria	1.558 per woman
186	Slovakia	1.545 per woman
187	Chile	1.543 per woman
188	China	1.539 per woman
189	Grenada	1.53 per woman
190	Sint Maarten (Dutch part)	1.522 per woman
191	Hungary	1.522 per woman
192	Bhutan	1.517 per woman
193	Dominica	1.517 per woman
194	Switzerland	1.513 per woman
195	Canada	1.51 per woman
196	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1.504 per woman
197	Curaçao	1.492 per woman
198	Serbia	1.487 per woman
199	Austria	1.479 per woman
200	Croatia	1.472 per woman
201	Belarus	1.457 per woman
202	Saint Pierre and Miquelon	1.456 per woman
203	Poland	1.443 per woman
204	Saint Lucia	1.436 per woman
205	Albania	1.415 per woman
206	Portugal	1.411 per woman
207	Finland	1.407 per woman
208	Bahamas	1.404 per woman
209	Jamaica	1.4 per woman
210	Jersey	1.385 per woman
211	Luxembourg	1.38 per woman
212	Bermuda	1.374 per woman
213	Anguilla	1.374 per woman
214	Japan	1.373 per woman
215	Antigua and Barbuda	1.371 per woman
216	Mauritius	1.365 per woman
217	Greece	1.35 per woman
218	Guernsey	1.339 per woman
219	Thailand	1.323 per woman
220	Cyprus	1.319 per woman
221	United Arab Emirates	1.288 per woman
222	Italy	1.286 per woman
223	Cayman Islands	1.277 per woman
224	Spain	1.26 per woman
225	Ukraine	1.233 per woman
226	Malta	1.227 per woman
227	China, Hong Kong SAR	1.086 per woman
228	San Marino	1.077 per woman
229	Taiwan	1.075 per woman
230	Andorra	1.053 per woman
231	Puerto Rico	1.026 per woman
232	South Korea	0.951 per woman
233	Singapore	0.948 per woman
234	China, Macao SAR	0.924 per woman
235	British Virgin Islands	0.905 per woman
236	Saint Barthélemy	0.706 per woman

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Key Insights

Saudi Arabia

In 2018, Saudi Arabia had a total fertility rate of 2.67 children per woman, ranking it 84th out of 236 countries globally. This rate indicates a moderate level of fertility, reflecting a significant decline from the higher rates observed in previous decades.

The decrease in fertility rates in Saudi Arabia can be attributed to various factors, including increased access to education and employment opportunities for women, urbanization, and the widespread use of contraception. Additionally, government policies promoting family planning and economic development may have contributed to this trend.

Interestingly, despite the decline in fertility rates, Saudi Arabia maintains a relatively young population, with a significant proportion under the age of 30. This demographic trend poses both opportunities and challenges for the kingdom in terms of economic growth and social services.

Algeria

In 2018, Algeria recorded a total fertility rate of 3.02 children per woman, placing it 63rd out of 236 countries in terms of fertility rates. This statistic reflects a gradual decline from higher rates observed in previous decades, indicating a trend towards smaller family sizes within the nation.

Several factors contribute to this fertility rate, including increased access to education and healthcare, particularly for women, as well as a growing trend of urbanization. As women attain higher levels of education, they tend to delay marriage and childbirth, which often results in fewer children.

Additionally, the Algerian government has implemented family planning initiatives aimed at promoting reproductive health and responsible family size, which have influenced societal attitudes towards childbirth. It is also noteworthy that Algeria's fertility rate is higher than the global average, reflecting regional demographic trends in North Africa.

Togo

Togo ranks 23rd out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with an average of 4.51 children per woman as recorded in 2018. This figure indicates a relatively high fertility rate compared to global averages, reflecting the demographic trends within the region.

The high total fertility rate in Togo can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to family planning resources, cultural norms favoring larger families, and socioeconomic conditions that encourage higher birth rates. Additionally, rural areas tend to have higher fertility rates due to differing educational and economic opportunities compared to urban settings.

In the context of West Africa, Togo's fertility rate is indicative of broader regional trends, where many countries experience similar demographic patterns. Notably, the total fertility rate in Togo is a crucial factor in understanding its population growth and the associated challenges in healthcare, education, and economic development.

Venezuela

In 2018, Venezuela had a total fertility rate of 2.150574 children per woman, ranking it 113th out of 236 countries globally. This statistic reflects a moderate level of fertility, indicative of a population that is stabilizing but still experiences significant demographic shifts.

The total fertility rate in Venezuela has been influenced by various factors, including economic instability, healthcare access, and societal changes. Economic challenges have led to reduced family sizes as families may prioritize financial stability over larger households. Additionally, increased access to education and family planning services has contributed to a decline in birth rates.

Interestingly, the fertility rate in Venezuela has been gradually decreasing over the years, which aligns with global trends observed in many developing countries. As of 2018, Venezuela's fertility rate was slightly above the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is considered necessary to maintain a stable population size in the absence of migration.

Uruguay

In 2018, Uruguay ranked 163rd out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a rate of 1.680854 children per woman. This figure is indicative of a demographic trend towards lower birth rates, which is common in many developed nations.

The decline in fertility rates in Uruguay can be attributed to several factors, including increased access to education and contraception, urbanization, and changing social norms regarding family size. Women in Uruguay are increasingly prioritizing education and career opportunities, leading to delayed childbirth and smaller family units.

Additionally, Uruguay has one of the highest levels of gender equality in Latin America, which has also contributed to women's empowerment and fertility choices. The country's historical context, economic stability, and social policies supporting family planning further influence the fertility trend.

China, Macao SAR

In 2018, Macao SAR recorded a total fertility rate of 0.924 children per woman, ranking it 234th out of 236 countries globally. This statistic indicates that the population growth is significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, which is necessary for a stable population over time.

The low fertility rate in Macao can be attributed to various factors, including economic development, urbanization, and changing societal norms. As Macao has transformed into a major tourism and gaming hub, many residents prioritize career and financial stability over starting families. Additionally, the high cost of living and housing in the region further discourage larger families.

Moreover, Macao's demographic trends reflect broader patterns observed in many developed regions, where similar low fertility rates are prevalent. For instance, neighboring regions in Asia, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, also experience low fertility rates, indicating a widespread challenge in maintaining population growth amidst rapid urbanization and economic pressures.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranks 96th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate. In 2018, the country's total fertility rate was recorded at 2.396731 children per woman. This figure is indicative of a declining birth rate trend, reflecting broader demographic shifts within the nation.

Several factors contribute to this fertility rate, including increased access to education and family planning services, particularly among women. Economic development and urbanization have also played significant roles, as families may choose to have fewer children in response to changing social norms and financial considerations.

Additionally, the total fertility rate in the Dominican Republic is relatively moderate compared to global averages, suggesting a transition toward lower birth rates that is common in many developing nations. For context, the average global fertility rate stood at approximately 2.4 children per woman in 2018, highlighting the Dominican Republic's alignment with international trends.

Lebanon

In 2018, Lebanon had a total fertility rate of 2.347424 children per woman, ranking 100th out of 236 countries worldwide. This rate is indicative of a population that is nearing replacement level, where each woman needs to have approximately two children to maintain the population size in the absence of migration.

The total fertility rate in Lebanon has been influenced by various factors, including socio-economic conditions, access to education, and healthcare services. Urbanization and increased participation of women in the workforce have led to delayed childbearing and smaller family sizes. Additionally, the ongoing socio-political challenges in the region may also impact family planning decisions.

Interestingly, Lebanon's fertility rate reflects broader trends observed in many Middle Eastern countries, where modernization and changes in societal norms are leading to declining fertility rates. As of 2018, Lebanon's fertility rate was higher than the global average of approximately 2.4 children per woman, suggesting a unique demographic profile shaped by its cultural and historical context.

Yemen

Yemen ranks 21st out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate as of 2018, with an average of 4.61 children per woman. This high fertility rate is indicative of several socio-economic factors, including limited access to education and family planning services, as well as prevailing cultural norms that favor larger families.

The total fertility rate in Yemen is influenced by factors such as ongoing conflicts, which have destabilized the country and disrupted healthcare services, including reproductive health. Additionally, traditional practices and lack of women's empowerment contribute to the persistence of high birth rates in the region.

It is noteworthy that despite the high fertility rate, Yemen faces significant challenges, such as high child mortality rates and widespread poverty, which can have profound implications for maternal and child health. The population growth driven by high fertility rates may further exacerbate the humanitarian crises affecting the country.

Vanuatu

In 2018, Vanuatu ranked 44th out of 236 countries in terms of total fertility rate, with a significant rate of 3.83 children per woman. This statistic highlights the country's relatively high fertility level compared to global averages, reflecting cultural norms and socioeconomic factors that encourage larger families.

The total fertility rate in Vanuatu may be influenced by various factors, including traditional views on family size, limited access to contraception, and the social importance placed on childbearing within Melanesian culture. Additionally, economic factors such as agricultural reliance and the need for labor may contribute to the preference for larger families.

Interestingly, Vanuatu's fertility rate is higher than that of many other Pacific Island nations, which often experience lower birth rates due to urbanization and differing socioeconomic conditions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers aiming to address health and education in the context of population growth.

Data Methodology & Sources

Verified Data

All data points are cross-referenced with official sources

Regular Updates

Continuously updated with latest available information

World

Comprehensive data from 236+ countries/territories

Primary Data Sources

CIA World Factbook

Comprehensive country profiles and demographic statistics from the Central Intelligence Agency

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United Nations Statistics

Global demographic data and population projections from UN agencies and research divisions

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World Bank Open Data

Development indicators and comprehensive population metrics from the World Bank database

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Understanding the Data

This comprehensive dataset provides valuable insights into global patterns and trends. The information presented here is essential for researchers, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in understanding global demographics and statistics.

Each data point in this collection represents official estimates or projections from authoritative sources. The data undergoes regular verification and updates to ensure accuracy and reliability. We maintain transparency in our methodology and clearly document all sources and assumptions.

When interpreting this data, it's important to consider the context of each country or territory, including their geographic size, economic development, historical factors, and regional characteristics. Statistical variations often reflect complex socioeconomic, environmental, and political factors.

Note: While we strive for accuracy, population and demographic data are subject to estimation methodologies and may vary slightly between different sources. We recommend consulting multiple sources for critical applications.

Historical Data by Year

Explore Total fertility rate data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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